Long Beach International Salon & Spa Expo, January 29-31: Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, Calif. (2012 dates: January 28-30; ticket prices may change for 2012--check the show's website for the latest details)

Who: Over 40,000 beauty professionals attended in 2010, and so far over 300 vendors have signed up to participate in 2011.

What’s there: Nail competitions can be found on site, as well as a Night Out Party for networking and fun. Hundreds of classes targeted at every aspect of the salon, including wellness, business, nails, and more are waiting for nail professionals who attend this event.

“So far, ISSE Long Beach is the best show I’ve been to. I started attending the show right out of beauty school, and it was so much fun, plus I got lots of great education. The whole atmosphere is amazing and knowing that everyone there has the same passion as you is great.“ -- Tahnee Reyes, Pinky’s Hair & Nail Salon, Porterville, Calif.

IBS New York

IBS New York, March 6-8: Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York City (2012 dates: March 11-13; ticket prices may change for 2012--check the show's website for the latest details)

Who: More than 53,000 beauty professionals attend and more than 525 vendors exhibit.

How much: $55 before Jan 3; $75 before March 6; $85 at the door.

What’s there: You won’t find nail competitions at IBS New York but you will find miles of exhibits and in-booth demonstrations, so wear some comfy shoes. You will also find an extensive track of classes dedicated to nail professionals.

“IBS New York has lots of fashion inspiration and great energy. I took advantage of every minute. I don’t take a leisurely pace. I map out my classes back to back — there is time for shopping and eating later.” -- Terri Schacht, Body Shoppe Spa,Yorktown, Va.

How much: Best deal includes International Nail Technicians Association (INTA) membership and three-day ticket to the show for only $99. Online, any one-day ticket is $55; any two days is $105; and student tickets (Monday only) are $30.

What’s there: Nails are everywhere at ABS, including the special Monday INTA Event on The ABS Runway. Jan Arnold and the CND Shellac Team will focus on fashion for the season and the newest looks in nails. Product samples and other professional surprises are included in your special ticket to this event.

What’s there: In addition to nail competitions, there are over 70 classes covering a range of business subjects and nail techniques, plus the Annual Nail Tech Network Orlando event organized by BeautyTech.com.

“I took advantage of the BeautyTech Networking BBQ while at the show in Orlando; it was actually the main reason I bit the bullet and traveled so far to a show." -- Holly Schippers, FingerNailFixer, Bussey, Iowa

“I would recommend Premiere Orlando to everyone. I’ve been the last two years and will be back again next year. There are so many classes to choose from. Time away from work, expense, and location have been the only things keeping me from attending more shows, but I am making it a point to visit at least one new show a year.” -- Nykicia Anderson, freelance manicurist, Upper Marlboro, Md.

IBS Las Vegas

IBS Las Vegas, June 18-20, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

Who: More than 18,000 beauty professionals attend and more than 325 vendors exhibit.

How much: $35 before June 18; $45 after June 18 (and at the door).

What’s there: Nail competitions on site. In addition to an expansive catalog of classes dedicated to nail professionals, there are business classes and plenty of in-booth demonstrations on the show floor.

“These shows are an excellent way to bond with our ‘family’ of technicians and see new items and services. I definitely feel more energized when I get there and when I get home. If you are an exhibitor and discounting or giving complimentary samples, we thank you.” -- Reneé Borowy, VIP Salon & Spa, Riverview, Mich.

“Competitors generally get admission to the show on the day of the competition, but you hardly get a chance to walk the floor at all before or after a competition. I’d enjoy a better opportunity to enjoy the show while still participating in the competitions — especially at one-day shows.”-- Maggie Franklin, The Art of Nailz,Visalia, Calif.

Get the Most From Your Experience

“Wear comfy shoes and bring something with wheels to carry home all your goodies from the show.” -- Pat Bailey, A Nail’s Charm, Steubenville, Ohio

“Attend classes even if they don’t necessarily apply to the services you are currently doing. There are plenty of things to learn to improve your work.” -- Chereice Givens, Shine Spa, Kansas City, Mo.

“Layer your clothing; it can get quite warm on the show floor from the lights and all the people.” -- Reneé Borowy, VIP Salon & Spa, Riverview, Mich.

“Get there early, walk the floor to get a feel for who is there (and grab popular items early before they sell out), then go booth to booth to see what you’ve missed. Keep an eye on the clock to make sure you hit your classes. If a manufacturer is sold out of an item, ask if they will ship it to you for free. Then take all your goodies back to your hotel room and rest your feet.” -- Michelle Cordes, The Nail Spa, Silverdale, Wash.

“Check out the forums on beautytech.com for ideas on getting ready for the show. Having read the list in advance, I was far more prepared than I would have been going it on my own." -- Holly Schippers, FingerNailFixer, Bussey, Iowa